PILONIDAL POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Care of Incision
After the surgery, the incision will be covered with a gauze dressing. This dressing may be removed after
24- 48 hours unless soiled (or as directed by your physician). You may shower after the dressing is
removed. Do not scrub the incision. Gently cleanse the area with soap and water 2 times daily giving
extra attention to the area after bowel movements. Gently pat the area dry and cover with gauze. If there
is depth to the wound, you may be asked to pack the wound with a slightly dampened saline gauze and
then cover with a dry dressing. Do not submerge the incision for 1 week (no baths, hot tubs, or swimming
pools). You may find it helpful to use a feminine pad for soilage/drainage. Do not submerge the incision
(no baths, hot tubs, swimming) until cleared by your surgeon.
Comfort Measures
You may experience swelling and discomfort of the surgical incision site. Use an ice pack on the incision
20 minutes every hour for the first 2-3 days. We recommend the use of over-the-counter medication such
as Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or Tylenol or relieve any pain that you have. If over-the-counter pain
medications are ineffective a narcotic pain medication prescribed by your doctor may be used in addition.
Be aware that some prescription pain medications can cause constipation, nausea or vomiting.
Constipation
All pain medication has the potential to cause constipation. Increasing your fiber (fruits, vegetable, bran,
etc) and fluid intake will help to avoid this problem. If more than 24 hours have passed without having a
bowel movement, you may use Milk of Magnesia as directed. If the problem persists, please contact the
office.
Antibiotics
You may be given a prescription for antibiotics to be taken after your surgery. Please take as directed.
Some patients develop diarrhea or abdominal cramps while taking antibiotics. Usually this can be
prevented by eating yogurt on a daily basis.
Follow-up Office Visit
You may need to be seen in the office approximately one week after your surgery for suture removal.
You will be given this appointment when the date of your surgery has been set and it will be documented
in the surgical paperwork mailed to you.
Activity / Return to Work
Limit your activities after surgery to what is comfortable for you. Don’t do any heavy lifting or exercise for
6 weeks. Avoid activities that place increased stress on the incision such as squatting and prolonged
sitting in a upright position. Refrain from any activity that causes pain. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
You may return to work when you feel ready (usually 1 week). You may return to work before being seen
in the office post-operatively.
Driving
You may drive when you are not using any prescription pain medication and when you are able
to react normally.
When to call the office
Do not hesitate to call the office if you develop a fever (temperature greater than 101), shaking chills,
nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, bleeding or drainage from your incision, redness around your
incision, persistent or increased pain or with any other problem that concerns you.